Gas burner assembly

ABSTRACT

A gas burner assembly that comprises a gas burner and a plate. The gas burner includes a first surface having an indentation and a second surface defining a gas chamber between the first surface and second surface. The plate is attached to the gas burner such that the plate covers at least a portion of the indentation to define a gas collection area between the plate and the indentation. The indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gas transmission from the gas chamber to the gas collection area. The indentation and the plate each include an electrode assembly receiving aperture.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Gas burners are well known in the gas barbeque grill industry.Specifically, two-section burners have been proposed for gas barbequegrills and the like in which a seal is employed between the two sectionsto effectively seal off each section so that there are two independentcombustion chambers. Example of such construction is seen in U.S. Pat.No. 5,249,958 (“the '958 patent) and the contents of such are hereinincorporated by reference.

[0002] Gas grills typically use propane or natural gas as fuel andgenerally employ an ignition device in order to ignite same. Such anignition device may include an electrode assembly having an electrodetip and a manually operated piezoelectric transducer that acts as aspark generator. The electrode assembly is typically attached to a gascollector assembly and positioned therein such that a spark gap isformed between the tip of the electrode and a surface of the gascollector box. The gas collector box allows for the accumulation of gasand air to provide for a proper gas/air mixture necessary for ignition.The manually operated piezoelectric transducer is electrically connectedto the electrode assembly such that activation of the piezoelectrictransducer provides the spark that is required to ignite the fuel/airmixture within the gas collector box. The electrode assembly typicallyincludes an electrode retained within a sleeve of ceramic material thatacts as an insulator between the electrode and the gas collector box.The sleeve of ceramic material is typically attached to the gascollector box by one or more retaining rings or other attachment means.

[0003] Gas collector boxes have many configurations depending upon theirapplication. Typically, gas collector boxes include three-dimensionalenclosures or structures that attach to a gas burner in such a manner asto create a gas collection area either within the gas collector boxitself or between the gas collector box and the gas burner. Althoughthese gas collector boxes function adequately, the costs associated withthe production of these three-dimensional enclosures or structures arerelatively high. The process to produce these parts requires at leasttwo steps: 1) stamping out the blank from sheet metal and 2) bending theblank to the desired three-dimensional structure.

[0004] Because of the foregoing, it has become desirable to develop agas burner assembly that provides for a simple, inexpensive gascollection area where the gas burner assembly can be installed in newgas grills or supplied as a replacement gas burner assembly. Byutilizing an indented feature in the gas burner, a simpletwo-dimensional plate can be used to cover at least a portion of theindentation in the gas burner to provide for the gas collection areatherebetween. Essentially, the use of a two-dimensional plate to atleast partially cover the indented feature of the gas burner providesfor a less expensive and unique approach to create a gas collection areathat replaces the need for a three-dimensional gas collector structure.Accordingly, the manufacturing costs associated with the production of atwo-dimensional plate are less than the manufacturing costs associatedwith the production of the three-dimensional gas collector structuresbecause of the absence of the bending process step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a gas burner assembly thatprovides a unique approach to creating a gas collection area. A gasburner assembly comprises a gas burner and a plate. The gas burnerincludes a first surface that has an indentation. The plate is attachedto the gas burner such that the plate covers at least a portion of theindentation to define a gas collection area therebetween.

[0006] The gas burner further includes a second surface to define a gaschamber therebetween. The indentation comprises at least one gascollector aperture permitting gas transmission from the gas chamber tothe gas collection area. The indentation is defined by a first pair ofside walls that extend from the first surface towards the second surfaceto form a top indentation wall therebetween. The second surface of thegas burner comprises a second pair of side walls that extend from thesecond surface towards the first surface to form a bottom indentationwall therebetween. The meeting of the bottom indentation wall and thetop indentation wall forms a barrier wall.

[0007] The gas burner assembly further comprises an electrode assemblythat has an electrode tip. In one embodiment, the barrier wall comprisesan electrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly isreceivable within the aperture in the barrier wall such that theelectrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming aspark gap between the electrode tip and the plate. The gas burnerassembly further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly tothe barrier wall.

[0008] In another embodiment, the plate comprises an electrode assemblyreceiving aperture. The electrode assembly is receivable within theaperture in the plate such that the electrode tip is positioned withinthe gas collection area forming a spark gap between the electrode tipand the barrier wall. The gas burner assembly further comprises meansfor attaching the electrode assembly to the plate.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a kitfor attachment to a gas burner having an indentation to create a gascollection area. The kit comprises a plate including means for attachingthe plate to the gas burner. The plate covers at least a portion of theindentation in said gas burner to define a gas collection areatherebetween. The means for attaching the plate to the gas burnerinclude at least one screw-receiving aperture in the plate.

[0010] The kit further comprises an electrode assembly that has anelectrode tip. In one embodiment of the kit, the plate comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly isreceivable within the aperture in the plate such that the electrode tipis positioned within the gas collection area forming a spark gap betweenthe electrode tip and the indentation in the gas burner. The kit furthercomprises means for attaching the electrode assembly to the plate.

[0011] In another embodiment of the kit, the indentation comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture. The electrode assembly isreceivable within the aperture in the indentation such that theelectrode tip is positioned within the gas collection area forming aspark gap between the electrode tip and the plate. The gas burnerassembly further comprises means for attaching the electrode assembly tothe indentation in the gas burner.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a gasburner for use with a plate in a gas burner assembly to create a gascollection area. The gas burner comprises a first surface and a secondsurface defining a gas chamber therebetween. The first surface has anindentation to define a gas collection area between the indentation andthe plate when the indentation is at least partially covered with theplate. The indentation comprises at least one gas collector aperturepermitting gas transmission from the gas chamber to the gas collectionarea. The indentation is defined by a first pair of side walls thatextend from the first surface towards the second surface to form a topindentation wall therebetween. The second surface of the gas burnercomprises a second pair of side walls that extend from the secondsurface towards the first surface to form a bottom indentation walltherebetween. The meeting of the bottom indentation wall and the topindentation wall forms a barrier wall. The barrier wall includes anelectrode assembly receiving aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a top view of a gas burner according to the presentinvention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a gas burner according to the presentinvention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken along line 3-3in FIG. 2 according to the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the“ports down” configuration as seen from the top;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the“ports down” configuration as seen from the bottom;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a side view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down”configuration;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a top view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports down”configuration where the plate 12 is shown with hidden lines to view thegas collection apertures 40 beneath plate 12;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the“ports up” configuration as seen from the top;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gas burner assembly in the“ports up” configuration as seen from the bottom;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up”configuration; and

[0024]FIG. 11 is a top view of a gas burner assembly in the “ports up”configuration where the plate 12 is shown with hidden lines to view thegas collection apertures 40 beneath plate 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to the drawings where the illustrations are for thepurpose of describing the preferred embodiment of the present inventionand are not intended to limit the invention described herein, FIG. 1 isa top view of a gas burner according to the present invention. FIGS. 2and 3 show the side view and the bottom view of a gas burner accordingto the present invention, respectively. The gas burner 10 of the presentinvention provides for improvements over the gas burner of the '958patent. The gas burner 10 of the present invention is provided 10 foruse with a plate 12 in a gas burner assembly to create a gas collectionarea 46 between the plate 12 and an indented feature in the gas burner10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The gas burner 10 comprises a firstexterior surface 14 and a second exterior surface 22 to define a gaschamber 96 therebetween. The first exterior surface 14 has a firstindentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 between the firstindentation 42 and the plate 12 when said first indentation 42 is atleast partially covered with the plate 12. The first indentation 42 alsoincludes at least one gas collector aperture 40 to permit gastransmission from the gas chamber 96 to the gas collection area 46.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the first exterior surface 14 has asloped rim 24 extending around the periphery of the first surface 14.The sloped rim 24 is formed with a row of gas transmission ports 26 thatfeed the gas to maintain a flame at each port. The sloped rim 24 extendsoutward to define a flange 78 that extends around the periphery of thegas burner 10. The first indentation 42 is defined as a first pair ofside walls 28 that extend from the first surface 14 towards the secondsurface 22 to form a top indentation wall 29 therebetween. The secondsurface 22 of the gas burner 10 includes a second indentation 44. Thesecond indentation 44 is defined as a second pair of side walls 30 thatextend from the second surface 22 towards the first surface 14 to form abottom indentation wall 31 therebetween. The top indentation wall 29 andthe bottom indentation wall 31 are spot welded or notched to each otherto form a barrier wall 34 that divides the gas chamber 96 into a firstgas chamber section 18 and a second gas chamber section 20. The barrierwall 34 isolates the gas in the first gas chamber section 18 from thegas in the second gas chamber section 20. Additionally, the barrier wall34 is formed with at least one aperture 38 capable of receiving anelectrode assembly.

[0027] Typically, two venturi ports 80 are formed in the first surface14 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicates with the firstgas chamber section 18 from the first surface 14 and the other venturiport 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section 20 from thefirst surface 14. Similarly, two venturi ports 80 are formed in thesecond surface 22 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicateswith the first gas chamber section 18 from the second surface 22 and theother venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section20 from the second surface 22. Because the venturi ports 80 are formedin both the first surface 14 and the second surface 22, the gas burner10 is reversible in nature. Therefore, the gas burner 10 can be utilizedin a “ports down” or “ports up” configuration.

[0028] In the “ports down” configuration, the second surface 22 isexposed to the grilling surface. In this configuration, the gastransmission ports 26, which are formed within the sloped rim 24 of thefirst surface 14, are shielded away from the grease and food drippingsby the flange 78. In the “ports up” configuration, the first surface 14is exposed to grilling surface. In this configuration, the gastransmission ports 26 are exposed to the grease and food drippings.Therefore, in a “ports up” configuration, a drip vaporizer bar (notshown) is placed above the gas burner 10 to prevent grease and fooddrippings from clogging the gas transmission ports 26.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4-11, the gas burner assembly of the presentinvention comprises a gas burner 10 having a first exterior surface 14and a plate 12 attached to the gas burner 10. The gas burner 10 has afirst indentation 42 formed within the first surface 14. The plate 12 isattached to the gas burner 10 covering at least a portion or all of thefirst indentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 therebetween.

[0030] The gas burner 10 may also include a second exterior surface 22that defines a gas chamber 96 between the first surface 14 and thesecond surface 22. The first indentation 42 may extend across a portionor all of the width of the gas burner 10. Preferably, the firstindentation 42 includes at least one gas collector aperture 40 formedwithin the first indentation 42 to permit gas transmission from the gaschamber 96 to the gas collection area 46. The first indentation 42 mayalso include an aperture 38 capable of receiving an electrode assembly.

[0031] The plate 12 can have any number of configurations and theconfiguration in FIGS. 4 and 8 are merely for illustrative purposes. Theplate 12 may take the form of any one of the following shapes: T-shaped,rectangular, circular, oval, or any other polygonal shape as long as atleast a portion of the first indentation 42 is covered. The plate 12 maybe formed from any rust resistant metal, preferably stainless steel. Theplate 12 may include an aperture 48 capable of receiving an electrodeassembly.

[0032] The gas burner assembly of the present invention may furthercomprise an electrode assembly 50 receivable either within the aperture38 in the first indentation 42 or within the aperture 48 in said plate12. The electrode assembly 50 is used to create a spark required toignite the gas/air mixture. One end of the electrode assembly 50 has aelectrode tip 52 that creates the spark and the other end of theelectrode assembly 50 includes a wire lead 54 and a connector 56 toelectrically connect to a manually operated piezoelectric transducer(not shown) or the like.

[0033] As shown in the “ports down” configuration in FIGS. 4-7, theelectrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 48 in the plate12 such that the electrode tip 52 is positioned within the gascollection area 46. The present invention may further include means forattaching the electrode assembly 50 to the plate 12. The attachmentmeans 76 may include any one of the following or any combinationthereof: retaining ring, spring clip, threaded attachment, snap ring,cotter pin, threaded nut, set screw, or any other mechanical attachmentmethod known in the art. When positioned within the gas collection area46, the electrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 form a spark gap 60therebetween. Preferably, the spark gap 60 between the electrode tip 52and the barrier wall 34 is less than a ½ inch. More preferably, thespark gap 60 is between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch.

[0034] As shown in the “ports up” configuration in FIGS. 8-11, theelectrode assembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 38 in thebarrier wall 34 such that the electrode tip 52 is positioned within thegas collection area 46. The present invention may further include meansfor attaching the electrode assembly 50 to the barrier wall 34. Theattachment means 76 may include any one of the attachment means 76 asdescribed above. When positioned within the gas collection area 46, theelectrode tip 52 and the plate 12 form a spark gap 61 therebetween.Preferably, the spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and the plate12 is less than a ½ inch. More preferably, the spark gap 61 is between ⅛inch and ¼ inch.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the gas burner assembly comprises agas burner 10 and a plate 12 attached to the gas burner 10. The gasburner 10 includes a first exterior surface 14 and a second exteriorsurface 22 that defines a tightly sealed gas chamber 96 therebetween.The first surface 14 has a raised rim 24 extending around the peripheryof the first surface 14. The raised rim 24 is formed with a row of gastransmission ports 26 that feed the gas to maintain a flame at eachport. The gas burner 10 is formed with a central indented rib 16 havinga first indentation 42 and a second indentation 44. The indented rib 16extends transversely of or across the width of the gas burner 10 todivide the gas chamber 96 into a first gas chamber section 18 and asecond gas chamber section 20. The first indentation 42 is defined by afirst pair of side walls 28 that extend from the first surface 14towards the second surface 22 to form a top indentation wall 29therebetween. The second indentation 44 is defined by a second pair ofside walls 30 that extend from the second surface 22 towards the firstsurface 14 to form a bottom indentation wall 31 therebetween. The topindentation wall 29 and the bottom indentation wall 31 are spot weldedor notched to each other to form a barrier wall 34 that divides the gaschamber 96 into a first gas chamber section 18 and a second gas chambersection 20. The barrier wall 34 isolates the gas in the first gaschamber section 18 from the gas in the second gas chamber section 20.The barrier wall 34 is formed with at least one aperture 38 capable ofreceiving an electrode assembly. Two venturi ports 80 are formed in thefirst surface 14 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80 communicateswith the first gas chamber section 18 from the first surface 14 and theother venturi port 80 communicates with the second gas chamber section20 from the first surface 14. Similarly, two venturi ports 80 are formedin the second surface 22 of the gas burner 10. One venturi port 80communicates with the first gas chamber section 18 from the secondsurface 22 and the other venturi port 80 communicates with the secondgas chamber section 20 from the second surface 22.

[0036] The plate 12 is flat and T-shaped and covers a portion of thefirst indentation 42 to define a gas collection area 46 therebetween.Further, each of the first pair of side walls 28 is formed with aplurality of gas collector apertures 40 that permit gas transmissionfrom both gas chamber sections 18 and 20 to the gas collection area 46.Additionally, the plate 12 is formed with an aperture 48 capable ofreceiving an electrode assembly.

[0037] The gas burner assembly of the present invention may furthercomprise an electrode assembly 50 for creating the spark to ignite thegas. One end of the electrode assembly 50 includes a electrode tip 52that creates the spark and the other end of the electrode assembly 50includes a wire lead 54 and a connector 56 to electrically connect to amanually operated piezoelectric transducer (not shown).

[0038] In the “ports down” configuration, venturi tubes 68 are attachedto the first surface 14 of the gas burner 10 in communication with theventuri ports 80 in the first surface 14 to supply gas to the gaschamber 96. Venturi cover plates 68 are attached to the second surface22 of the gas burner to cover the venturi ports 80 in the second surface22 to prevent gas from escaping the gas chamber 96. In thisconfiguration, the plate 12 is attached to the flange 90 of the venturitubes 68 to create the gas collection area 46 defined between the plate12, the first pair of side walls 28, and the barrier wall 34. Althoughthis is the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the plate12 can be directly attached to the first surface 14 to provide for thegas collection area 46. There should be at least one space 88 in betweenthe leg of the T-shaped plate 12 and the flange 90 of the venturi tube68 to permit air to flow into the gas collection area 46. The electrodeassembly 50 is receivable within the aperture 48 in the plate 12 suchthat the electrode assembly 50 tip is positioned within the gascollection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is attached to the barrierwall 34 using a retaining ring 76. The electrode tip 52 and the barrierwall 34 form a spark gap 60 therebetween. The spark gap 60 between theelectrode tip 52 and the barrier wall 34 is {fraction (3/16)} inch.

[0039] In the “ports up” configuration, venturi cover plates 68 areattached to the first surface 14 of the gas burner to cover the venturiports 80 in the first surface 14 to prevent gas from escaping the gaschamber 96. Venturi tubes 68 are attached to the second surface 22 ofthe gas burner 10 in communication with the venturi ports 80 in thesecond surface 22 to supply gas to the gas chamber 96. In thisconfiguration, the plate 12 is attached to the venturi cover plates 66to create the gas collection area 46 defined between the plate 12, thefirst pair of side walls 28, and the barrier wall 34. Although this isthe preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the plate 12 canbe directly attached to the first surface 14 to provide for the gascollection area 46 and function as a cover regarding the venturi ports80. There should be at least one space 88 in between the leg of theT-shaped plate 12 and the venturi cover plate 66 to permit air to flowinto the gas collection area 46. The electrode assembly 50 is receivablewithin the aperture 38 in the barrier wall 34 such that the electrodetip 52 is positioned within the gas collection area 46. The electrodeassembly 50 is attached to the barrier wall 34 using a retaining ring76. The electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 form a spark gap 60therebetween. The spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and theplate 12 is {fraction (3/16)} inch.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the aperture 38 in the barrier wall34 of the gas burner 10 is offset from the aperture 48 in the plate 12.When the electrode assembly 50 is installed in the aperture 48 in theplate 12, the offset aperture 38 ensures that the electrode tip 52 isperpendicular to a metal surface (i.e., the barrier plate 34).Conversely, when the electrode assembly 50 is installed in the aperture38 in the barrier wall, the offset aperture 48 in the plate 12 ensuresthat the electrode tip 52 is perpendicular to a metal surface (i.e., theplate 12).

[0041] In operation, when the gas valve is opened, gas flows into thegas burner 10 and fills the both the first gas chamber section 18 andthe second gas chamber section 20. As each gas chamber section 18, 20 isbeing filled with gas, gas begins to flow from each gas chamber section18, 20 through the gas collector supply apertures 40 and into the gascollection area 46. In the gas collection area 46, air begins to mixwith the supply of gas to form a combustible mixture. When the manuallyoperated piezoelectric transducer (not shown) is actuated, a spark“jumps across” the spark gap 60 between the electrode tip 52 and the gasburner 10 in the “ports down” configuration and a spark “jumps across”the spark gap 61 between the electrode tip 52 and the plate 12 in the“ports up” configuration. The spark ignites the combustible air/gasmixture in the gas collection area 46. Ignition of the combustiblemixture within the gas collection area 46 causes the gas flowing fromthe row of gas transmission ports 26 to be immediately ignited.

[0042] Another aspect of the present invention provides for a kit forattachment to a gas burner having an indentation to create a gascollection area. The kit comprises a plate 12 having means for attachingthe plate to the gas burner wherein the plate covers at least a portionof the indentation in the gas burner to define a gas collection areatherebetween. The means for attaching the plate 12 to the gas burner 10may include screw receiving apertures 62 in the plate 12, screwreceiving slots in the plate 12, or slots in the gas burner 10 that canreceive the plate 12. As stated earlier, the plate 12 can have anynumber of configurations and the configuration in FIGS. 4 and 8 aremerely for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, the plate 12 may includean aperture 48 capable of receiving an electrode assembly. The kit mayfurther include an electrode assembly 50 receivable within the aperture48 of the plate 12 or the aperture 38 of the barrier wall 34 and meansfor attaching the electrode assembly 50 to the plate 12 or barrier wall34. The attachment means 76 may include any one of the following or anycombination thereof: retaining ring, spring clip, threaded attachment,snap ring, cotter pin, threaded nut, set screw, or any other mechanicalattachment method known in the art.

[0043] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to thoseskilled in the art upon reading the foregoing. It should be understoodthat all such modifications and improvements have been deleted hereinfor the sake of conciseness and readability, but are nonethelessproperly within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas burner assembly comprising: a gas burnercomprising a first surface, said first surface having an indentation;and a plate attached to said gas burner, said plate covers at least aportion of said indentation to define an gas collection areatherebetween.
 2. The gas burner assembly of claim 1, wherein said gasburner further comprising a second surface, said first surface and saidsecond surface define a gas chamber therebetween.
 3. The gas burnerassembly of claim 2, wherein said indentation comprises an electrodeassembly receiving aperture.
 4. The gas burner assembly of claim 3,wherein said indentation further comprises at least one gas collectoraperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber to said gascollection area.
 5. The gas burner assembly of claim 4, furthercomprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture.
 6. Thegas burner assembly of claim 1, wherein said plate comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture.
 7. The gas burner assembly ofclaim 6, further comprising an electrode assembly receivable within saidaperture.
 8. A gas burner assembly comprising: a gas burner comprising afirst surface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween,said first surface having an indentation; and a plate attached to saidgas burner, said plate covers at least a portion of said indentation todefine a gas collection area therebetween wherein said indentationcomprises at least one gas collector aperture permitting gastransmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area.
 9. Thegas burner assembly of claim 8, wherein said indentation is defined by afirst pair of side walls extending from said first surface towards saidsecond surface forming a top indentation wall therebetween.
 10. The gasburner assembly of claim 9, wherein said second surface comprises asecond pair of side walls extending from said second surface towardssaid first surface forming a bottom indentation wall therebetween. 11.The gas burner assembly of claim 10, wherein said top indentation walland said bottom indentation wall meet to form a barrier wall.
 12. Thegas burner assembly of claim 11, wherein said barrier wall comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture.
 13. The gas burner assembly ofclaim 12, further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrodetip, said electrode assembly receivable within said aperture such thatsaid electrode tip is positioned within said gas collection area. 14.The gas burner assembly of claim 13, further comprising means forattaching said electrode assembly to said gas burner.
 15. The gas burnerassembly of claim 14, wherein said electrode tip and said plate form aspark gap therebetween.
 16. The gas burner assembly of claim 8, whereinsaid plate comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture.
 17. Thegas burner assembly of claim 16, further comprising an electrodeassembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivablewithin said aperture in said plate such that said electrode tip ispositioned within said gas collection area.
 18. The gas burner assemblyof claim 17, further comprising means for attaching said electrodeassembly to said plate.
 19. The gas burner assembly of claim 18, whereinsaid electrode tip and said indentation form a spark gap therebetween.20. A gas burner assembly comprising: a gas burner comprising a firstsurface and a second surface defining a gas chamber therebetween, saidfirst surface having a first pair of side walls extending from saidfirst surface towards said second surface forming a top indentation walltherebetween, said second surface having a second pair of side wallsextending from said second surface towards said first surface forming abottom indentation wall therebetween; a barrier wall formed by themeeting of said first and second walls, said barrier wall comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture; and a plate attached to saidfirst surface of said gas burner, said plate covers at least a portionof said barrier wall to define a gas collection area therebetweenwherein said first pair of sidewalls comprises at least one gascollector aperture permitting gas transmission from said gas chamber tosaid gas collection area.
 21. The gas burner assembly of claim 20,further comprising an electrode assembly having an electrode tip, saidelectrode assembly receivable within said aperture in said barrier wallsuch that said electrode tip is positioned within said gas collectionarea.
 22. The gas burner assembly of claim 21, further comprising meansfor attaching said electrode assembly to said gas burner.
 23. The gasburner assembly of claim 22, wherein said electrode tip and said plateform a spark gap therebetween.
 24. The gas burner assembly of claim 20,wherein said plate has an electrode assembly receiving aperture.
 25. Thegas burner assembly of claim 21, further comprising an electrodeassembly having an electrode tip, said electrode assembly receivablewithin said aperture in said plate such that said electrode tip ispositioned within said gas collection area.
 26. The gas burner assemblyof claim 22, further comprising means for attaching said electrodeassembly to said plate.
 27. The gas burner assembly of claim 23, whereinsaid electrode tip and said barrier wall form a spark gap therebetween.28. A kit for attachment to a gas burner having an indentation to createa gas collection area, said kit comprising: a plate having means forattaching said plate to said gas burner wherein said plate covers atleast a portion of said indentation to define a gas collection areatherebetween.
 29. The kit of claim 28, wherein said plate comprises anelectrode assembly receiving aperture.
 30. The kit of claim 29, furthercomprising an electrode assembly receivable within said aperture of saidplate.
 31. The kit of claim 30, further comprising means for attachingsaid electrode assembly to said plate.
 32. The kit of claim 28, whereinsaid indentation comprises an electrode assembly receiving aperture. 33.The kit of claim 32, further comprising an electrode assembly receivablewithin said aperture of said gas burner.
 34. The kit of claim 33,further comprising means for attaching said electrode assembly to saidgas burner.
 35. The kit of claim 28, wherein said means for attachingsaid plate to said gas burner comprises at least one screw receivingaperture in said plate.
 36. A gas burner for use with a plate in a gasburner assembly to create a gas collection area, said gas burnercomprising: a first surface and a second surface defining a gas chambertherebetween, said first surface having an indentation to define saidgas collection area between said indentation and said plate when saidindentation is at least partially covered with said plate, saidindentation comprising at least one gas collector aperture permittinggas transmission from said gas chamber to said gas collection area. 37.The gas burner of claim 36, wherein said indentation is defined by afirst pair of side walls extending from said first surface towards saidsecond surface forming a top indentation wall therebetween.
 38. The gasburner of claim 37, wherein said second surface comprises a second pairof side walls extending from said second surface towards said firstsurface forming a bottom indentation wall therebetween.
 39. The gasburner of claim 38, wherein said top indentation wall and said bottomindentation wall meet to form a barrier wall.
 40. The gas burnerassembly of claim 39, wherein said barrier wall comprises an electrodeassembly receiving aperture.